BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Port of Bellingham’s project to restore its digester tanks will take longer than anticipated after lead-based paint chips were found on nearby lawns.

The Port began its restoration project in April to remove and dispose of failing paint on the 65-foot steel vessels near the downtown waterfront to preserve them as historic icons. MyBellinghamNow previously reported on the restoration project, which is designed to make these digester tanks look similar to the Acid Ball located nearby.

The project was originally scheduled to finish by the end of April, but Port spokesperson Mike Hogan announced on Tuesday, May 7, that they found waste paint chips on the lawns next to the tanks.

The Port is now beginning the process of replacing the lawns to make sure all the lead-based paint is removed. The new lawns are expected to be ready for use by June 1.

The Port says people who were on a lawn next to the tanks don’t need to worry, as there are likely no health risks from short-term lead exposure. It adds that anyone concerned about lead exposure should contact their health care provider.

Kulshan Trackside Beer Garden said in a social media post that the beer garden has been cleared to be open this weekend, but the grass area will be closed off for the next few weeks.